4 AUGUST 1923, Page 2

The Times says that the financial responsibility of the Government

appears to be limited to a subsidy of- £400,000 payable in the first year. No further contri- bution will be made until an airship constructed by the commercial company has made a journey to India in 100 hours' running- time. After the first year the sub- sidies will be according- to results ; and, ultimately, if the scheme is a success, the subsidies will be repaid to the Government out of the profits of the company. At first sight it seems a pity that about two years ago the late Government abandoned the airship business after some £40,000,000 had been spent, but we daresay that the waste will turn out to be more on paper than in reality. * * * *